Third time lucky for goal fest?
7.45pm
AFTER two bore draws,
Sligo Rovers boss John Russell reckons the third meeting between the Bit O’ Red and Galway could bring an emphatic end to the goal drought between the two sides.
When they met earlier this season – in April and May – it was a case of defences coming out on top.
However, recent weeks have seen the two Premier Division rivals and Connacht neighbours hit the goal trail.
“Both games have been really tight between us this year,” acknowledged Showgrounds chief Russell.
“We’ve yet to score against each other, have played out two scoreless draws and we’re right beside each other in the table.
“We’re in good form at the moment and so are they. They put six past Longford at the weekend in the cup and we have scored at least two goals in our last five games, including the Everton game.
“So it feels like something might give on Saturday in terms of goals. It should be really entertaining and we’re hoping for a big crowd to come out and back us.”
The two sides are poised nicely to mount a challenge for Europe, with fifth-placed Galway ahead of Rovers on goal difference.
Shamrock Rovers and Waterford, ahead of them, are within touching distance.
Russell continued: “Galway have strengthened during the window and have brought in real experience so they’ll be looking to push up the ladder.
“They’ve been a great addition to the Premier Division so far and it’s great to have these Connacht derbies back.
“Again, our recent form means nothing once we kick-off. We’re in good form and that’s the way we want to keep it come 10pm Saturday.
“We are the home side in a derby and we’ll look to start on the front foot and see where that takes us.”